Perfect Cars For First Time Drivers

Ford For many young people and their parents, purchasing a first car is a major step.
One great option is to look at cars that are used, which can often be had for a fraction of the price of brand-new versions. We came up with 15 used cars we think are the best for the youthful car buyer on a budget.
To make our list, we concentrated on cars that are on the market right now for under $15,000. We looked for ones that are dependable, fun to drive, comfortable, attractive, economical, functional, and most of all, safe.
For safety, we checked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) average front Door crash test ratings for the cars we selected.
Rates are based on present prices on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest price we believe a decent example may price, come to you car detailing.

2005-Present Nissan Xterra

Starting price: $8,900 and upward IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy itNissan's second generation Xterra SUV hit the marketplace in 2005 and continued the very first generation model's theme of ruggedness, and simplicity with a focus on an active outdoor lifestyle. The Xterra has seen few significant changes in the decade it's been in manufacturing and all cars are powered by a 4.0 liter version of Nissan's award winning VQ-series V6 engine which produces 265 horsepower.

2010-Present Chevrolet Equinox

Starting price: $14,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy itThe next generation Chevy Equinox not only continued the model's sales success, it gave General Motors a topnotch compact crossover SUV to compete against the segment leaders. The Equinox provides a motorists a comfortable and competent crossover in stylish and appealing package. The base powerplant for the Equinox is a 2.4 liter 182 hp four-cylinder motor, while more expensive models come equipped a selection of powerful V6 engine choices.

2012-Present Ford Focus

Starting price: $9,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy it: Since its inception in 1998, the Focus was a star performer for Ford. But for year, Ford's US and European branch sold different automobiles under the "Focus" name -- with the European version much better received. For 2012, the third generation Ford unified the model and finally gave the US Focus customers the European automobile they'd been awaiting. Power for Focus comes from a 2.0 liter 160 horsepower inline four cylinder engine. Individuals looking for higher performance can select the critically acclaimed 252 hp Focus ST -- although even used examples of this model may be expensive.

2005-2014 Ford Mustang

Starting price: $6,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy it: When Ford introduced the fifth-generation Mustang in 2005, it reinvigorated a muscle car market which has been efficiently on life support. The Mustang creates our record since it gives drivers cheap access to horsepower in a elegant package with styling that withstands the test of time. Available, using both V-6 and V-8 alternatives, the recommended variant is the mid-level Mustang GT with all the 5.0 liter V-8. Although the V-6 is a little more efficient compared to 5.0, the performance drop-off and deficiency of GT trim go-fast goodies makes the bigger motor the perfect choice.